Joining the military is marked by a series of rituals signaling the shift from civilian life to becoming a soldier.
An induction haircut is one of the most prominent rituals in many military branches. New recruits are buzzed during boot camp to signify a clean slate.
But why is this practice done in the military?
Besides tradition, there are a handful of practical benefits to shaved heads in the military.
Why Do They Shave Your Head When You Enter the Military?
Photo by Taylor Smith / Unsplash
Part of Military Culture and Tradition
New recruits often receive the induction haircut as a right of passage on their first day of boot camp.
The tradition of induction cuts in the military dates back to the Civil War. A buzz cut was implemented to prevent lice infestation among the soldiers who slept in close quarters.
Promote Team Unity
In the military, there is no lone ranger mentality. You always operate as a team. An induction cut removes individuality and symbolizes unity and submission to authority.
During basic training, everyone comes in with various hairstyles. After the induction haircut, everyone looks the same, which builds camaraderie. You all start on equal footing during basic training.
For Safety During Battle
Hand-to-hand combat
If you have long hair, it can be a disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat. An enemy can pull your hair and easily access your neck. They can't do this if you have a shaved head or a buzz cut.
Wearing gas masks
Having no facial hair and a shaved head makes it easier to wear a gas mask when needed. Apparently, hair prevents having an airtight seal when wearing gas and oxygen masks for Air Force pilots. Some soldiers experience gas masks pulling on their hair, so they shave it before putting them on.
Head on fire
Hair is flammable. When mixed with oil or gas, your head can be lit on fire easily.
Head wound treatment
Shaved heads make diagnosing and treating head traumas easier. If military service members had longer hair, they'd need to shave it off before getting diagnosed and treated for an injury.
For Hygiene Purposes
Head lice spreading across closely quartered recruits can be problematic. Head shaving reduces the risk of lice infestation among military recruits.
A shaved head also means you are less prone to dandruff and parasites. You also feel cooler when wearing a helmet shaved.
Ease of Maintenance
Life in the military is fast-paced; you need to be in formation in minutes. You are given 10 minutes to do your bathroom stuff, including showering, shaving, and sitting on the throne. Every second counts, so you don't have time to comb, style, and care for long hair.
To ensure cleanliness, you'll need a low-maintenance grooming routine like head shaving.
Shaving your head and face can be done in minutes, especially using an electric shaver. We've listed the best shavers for military personnel so you can choose which one suits you.
Short haircuts are also easier to maintain, especially for military men who may not have access to showers or grooming facilities.
Basic training requires rolling in the mud. Imagine how hard it would be to clean and maintain your hair if it were longer.
For Psychological Reasons
Shaving heads has a significant psychological impact on military recruits undergoing military training. It promotes obedience and conformity. Psychologically, the military wants to remove one's identity; an induction cut has that effect. Once one gets in, one is now a soldier and no longer a civilian.
Life After the Armed Forces
After leaving the armed forces, many veterans struggle to adjust to having long hair again. The experience of having a shaved head in the military can have a lasting impact on a person's self-image and identity. Some veterans continue shaving their heads to maintain a sense of discipline and professionalism. Others may struggle to find a new hairstyle that feels comfortable and familiar after years of having a military haircut.
Some Exceptions to Military Hair Cut Guidelines
Length and Bulk Restrictions
Photo by Jonathan Cooper / Unsplash
Hair must be neatly trimmed and can't touch the ears, collars, or eyebrows when headgear is removed
Hair length should be no more than 3 to 4 inches long
Hair bulk should not exceed 2 inches when lying flat
Prohibited Hairstyles
Photo by Darwin Boaventura / Unsplash
Men in uniform can't have these hairstyles:
Cornrows
Braids
Twists
Locs
Mohawks
Shaved designs
Sideburns are not allowed to extend below the bottom of the ear and must not be flared, tapered, or pointed.
Exceptions to Guidelines
Special forces units like Navy Seals and Green Berets may have more lenient grooming standards as part of "social camouflage." This allows them to blend into civilian populations and not draw attention while on a mission.
The military also makes exceptions for military service members with religious beliefs that require them to maintain longer hair or beards. A formal request should be made and approved by the relevant military branches.
Why Electric Shavers are the Best Grooming Tool for Military Personnel
US Military personnel who shave their heads must arm themselves with the best grooming tools. At the top of the list is investing in an electric shaver.
Electric shavers are better than their manual counterparts because of these advantages:
Speed and convenience
Portability
Wet and dry shaving capability
ease of use
Less nicks and cuts
No razor burn and razor bumps
No more barber visits
For easier and nick-free shaving, an electric shaver is an essential grooming tool a military member must have. We recommend the FlexSeries Pro for every military personnel. It has a travel lock, anti-slip coating, powerful adaptive motor, and long battery life, and it shaves fast and comfortably, making it a perfect companion for military service members.
Freebird offers hero discounts where active duty, veterans, and retirees get a 15% one-time discount code on your order.
For more choices on the best military shavers, click the link to read our guide.
The Bottom Line
Shaving your head in the US military is more than just a haircut. It's a rite of passage that symbolizes the transition into the service, a shared purpose, and a welcome to the brotherhood. It also serves practical purposes, being low-maintenance and suitable for hygiene and safety.
In recent years, even civilians have embraced the military haircut. I know I did.
FAQs
How Do Recruits Feel About Shaving Their Heads?
Many new recruits have mixed emotions. Some are excited about the latest chapter in their lives, while others feel anxious about losing their hair and the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.
The induction haircut is a bonding experience, and recruits feel a sense of camaraderie from having the same haircuts.
What are the Best Ways to Care for a Shaved Head in the Military?
Here are some of the best ways to care for a shaved head in the military:
Hydrate and moisturize
Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen
Exfoliate regularly
Can You Grow a Beard in the Military?
Generally, beards are not allowed in the military except for religious reasons, medical conditions, or if you're part of a special forces unit on a mission.
Can You Get a Haircut at a Civilian Barbershop?
Yes, military personnel can get a haircut off-base if they meet the military guidelines.
